Instant replay is the replaying of video footage of an event such as a televised sports program in which an important or remarkable play may be seen again or be reviewed if it was unclear on first sight. A CBS television director, 29- year-old Tony Verna (above), invented the system which enabled a standard videotape machine to instantly replay. It was used for the first time on 7 December 1963, for the network’s coverage of the 64th annual Army-Navy football game.